A Guide on Proper Tree Watering
Owning a tree within your property is a huge responsibility. For one, you have to ensure its health through regular tree maintenance. It is also important to ensure everyone’s safety in case the tree is in a compromised situation due to bad weather. In such cases, it is crucial to call emergency tree storm services to prevent potential injuries and property damage.
Ensuring regular tree care and maintenance ensures the tree’s longer lifespan and stronger foundation. It should be regularly-trimmed preferably by professional tree services near your area. Owners should also know the right way of watering trees to achieve longevity and better health.
During hot summer days, trees need enough water supply to survive. Otherwise, it can lead to the tree’s premature demise. Regardless whether it’s a newly-planted or a mature tree, all types of trees should get all the care they deserve. Before that, it is important to know the proper watering method according to the tree’s age, the type of soil used, and the current season.
Watering newly-planted trees
A proper tree watering method is just as important as regular tree pruning and trimming. This is particularly crucial for newly-planted and young trees. Too little or too much watering can do harm to the young tree. In particular, overwatering a tree can even kill a tree.
That said, it is important to note the right amount of water in nourishing a young tree. You can also find an arborist near your area for more important tree care tips. Here are some things to consider when watering young trees.
Water the young tree up to an inch per week.
Make sure that the water soaks the soil well to nourish the roots and encourage healthier growth. The water around the plant trunk and its surrounding area. Water the plants regularly and consistently for around three years or more to help establish their roots.
Monitor young trees and plants more often.
Make sure to check their roots more often from any presence of dryness. Young trees and plants are getting the moisture they need through the root ball which easily dries out after a day or two. Dry soil and no moisture can affect the plants’ growth.
Water plants more that are exposed in full sun than those within a shade.
It is also important to water plants especially if it is frequently exposed to the sun. They have the tendency to dry up easily which can affect their growth it not watered regularly. Ideally, outdoor plants should be watered early morning or late evening for better water absorption and better growth.
Apply mulch on the soil.
Applying mulch such as leaves or shredded bark helps in maintaining soil moisture. Likewise, it also regulates temperature and protects plants against hot and cold temperatures. Tree services can help you with the proper mulching methods for young trees.
Watering mature trees
Meanwhile, established and mature trees also need enough care and maintenance it deserves. Arborist services would recommend keeping the topsoil, about 8 to 12 inches deep, moisturized especially during the hot weather. Frequent watering is essentially important in the absence of rainfall.
More importantly, you should not wait to water the plants until they are already yellowing or wilting. Focus on watering the roots instead of the leaves, although you can sprinkle a little bit of water on the leaf’s surface.
How often should you water trees?
Watering plants is crucial for its growth and health. But the question is how often you should water them. One way to know when it’s time to water is by checking soil moisture.
Using an 8” long screwdriver, poke it into the soil. If it easily passes through, it means the soil is moist enough. Otherwise, it will be hard to push through the soil if it’s already dry. This method works best on loam and clay soil. Ideally, the soil should be moist at least 8 inches deep or more. Tree removal companies would suggest against frequent watering but not enough to penetrate the soil and nourish the trees’ roots.
Caring for your trees is crucial
As mentioned, it is important to focus more on watering the roots rather than the leaves. Make sure to keep the soil moist and avoid overwatering it. Experts suggest watering plants and trees early in the morning or evenings. This is to ensure that the water will seep into the roots and avoid drying due to the heat of the sun. For your tree care and maintenance needs, you can hire professional arborist services in Chevy Chase.